Chapter 44

Three noblewomen who had lost their husbands to Julia were present at the gathering, and many others were weary of tolerating Julia’s capricious personality.

However, Julia was the queen of the social scene and the cousin of the Empress.

Crossing Julia could mean falling out of favor with the Empress, and they might never again see the high-quality fabrics and dresses produced at her textile factory.

Above all, the noblewomen feared being ostracized from society if they opposed Julia.

Several women had retreated to the countryside, unable to endure the harassment after clashing with Julia.

Even now, one of the noblewomen, who usually held her tongue, cautiously spoke up in Julia’s absence.

“…But who could have told the Marquess of Howard such a thing?”

“They must not fear the repercussions. If it was a servant, they could lose their life, and if it was a noble, their honor would be destroyed.”

“It’s only a matter of time before Julia finds out and informs the Empress. Then they’ll truly be unable to show their face in society.”

“Whoever it is…”

“….”

…Really?

As if waiting for the next words, the noblewoman’s eyes fixed on one person.

But then they all quickly looked away, clearing their throats or sipping their tea.

Outwardly, they seemed deeply concerned about Julia, but no one dared to speak their true feelings.

If Julia heard, it could cause unnecessary trouble.

The noblewomen couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

‘…Whoever it is, they’re truly impressive.’

Though they couldn’t say it out loud, they admired the person who had exposed Julia’s secret.

‘How can they not be afraid of Julia?’

‘They’ll surely be discovered, they must be very brave.’

‘How did they even think of embarrassing Julia? It’s already so satisfying.’

‘But who is it? I have no idea.’

‘Could it be someone who never cared about Julia?’

‘I hope this leads to Julia’s downfall so she can’t show her face in society.’

Muttering such thoughts to themselves, the noblewomen sipped their tea, pretending otherwise.

Then suddenly, Rose spoke up.

“Could it be you, Scarlett?”

“Me? What?”

“You were very upset when your husband succumbed to Julia’s temptations. Didn’t you even hire an astrologer to curse both Julia and your husband?”

“Oh, no, it’s not me!”

Scarlett, suddenly accused, was startled.

“I thought it might be you, Rose. Julia took away your favorite maid. Did you hold a grudge against her for that?”

“It’s not me either! And I didn’t lose my maid, I gave her to Julia voluntarily!”

“Don’t be ridiculous! Do you think we don’t know how bitterly you cried over losing your maid?”

“…Unbelievable! Do you think no one knows you cried over losing your husband, Scarlett?”

“…!”

Scarlett was speechless.

Like Scarlett, the other noblewomen couldn’t continue the conversation.

Rose’s hand, holding the teacup, trembled.

Yes.

They all have suffered at Julia’s hands.

Yet, they couldn’t openly share their feelings and had no choice but to cater to Julia’s whims.

If we talked behind her back, anyone could run to Julia and tattle.

But there was always one woman who was an exception in this tense atmosphere.

Julia constantly bad-mouthed her, and the other noblewomen were eager to agree with Julia.

“Louise, coming from another country, just can’t seem to adapt to the Rilt Empire. I don’t know how long we’re supposed to be understanding of her.”

“…Oh dear. Julia, you must be very upset.”

“How dense must she be to never understand what I’m saying? They say couples grow alike, maybe she’s taking after her husband’s stupidity.”

Julia would complain, appearing exhausted.

But Julia met her match when she tried to subdue Louise.

That was more than two years ago.

“Louise. In our Rilt Empire’s society, it’s customary to come to the Marquis of Howard’s residence for tea on the first Wednesday of every month.”

“But you haven’t come even once in nearly a year.”

“Her Majesty the Empress is also watching your selfish and personal behavior closely. How long must we wait for you to adapt?”

“As a Duchess of the Empire, you have certain duties. If you don’t wish to fulfill them, divorce is always an option.”

“We’ve tried to accommodate and understand you, but our patience has limits.”

“In the meantime, one of your servants has been trained. By now, you must have understood what I’m saying.”

Julia threw a young maid from the Brent Duchy in front of Louise.

The fifteen-year-old maid named Cathy was in a wretched state, already whipped. Her delicate skin was covered in bruises, and she could barely open her eyes.

She had been kidnapped by Julia’s servants while running errands in the capital for the Duke’s household.

Even though other noblewomen couldn’t stop Julia from torturing a servant so brutally, they thought this was crossing a line.

How could she be so cruel to a servant?

No matter what, this was too much.

The shocking scene made everyone think Louise would have no choice but to obey Julia’s demands.

But Louise’s reaction was entirely unexpected.

Louise looked down at Cathy with unwavering eyes for a while.

Then she spoke, her voice calm but filled with pity.

“…It must have hurt a lot, Cathy.”

“M-Madam…”

“I’m really sorry I couldn’t protect you. It’s all my fault.”

“…”

All the noblewomen gathered there held their breath and watched the situation unfold.

The calm demeanor of Louise, without a hint of agitation, only heightened the tension.

Julia also watched Louise’s reaction, her expression hardening slightly.

Louise turned away from Cathy with a solemn attitude and approached Julia.

As Louise got closer, Julia’s pupils began to shake.

Standing right next to Julia, Louise whispered in her ear. Only Julia could hear her voice, which was laced with a cold chill.

“You made a mistake, Julia. I always repay what’s done to me. One day, that time will come.”

“What are you-“

“If you don’t want to be further humiliated, you’d better keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, I might really cause a bigger scene.”

“…”

“I’ll make sure you pay for this someday.”

A slight crack appeared in Julia’s hardened expression.

Instinctively, she felt a sense of crisis, knowing that further provoking Louise would be unwise, though she didn’t know what Louise planned to do.

“How dare you defy me?”

It was unbelievable, but Julia forced a smile before her expression could worsen further and addressed the other noblewomen.

“Ladies, Louise has admitted her mistake. I have decided to understand her with magnanimity.”

There was no benefit in letting the other women know that Louise had provoked her.

Julia had a strong intuition that the “bigger scene” Louise mentioned would be very disadvantageous to her.

Finally, the other noblewomen smiled with relief.

“Julia, you are truly considerate. I’m impressed.”

“Of course. A broad heart is the basic virtue of a proper lady. Since Louise will need to treat Cathy, we should take our leave. Take care, Louise.”

With a beautiful smile on her lovely face, Julia exited the scene.

But inside, she felt as if ice was cracking apart.

“Unbelievable.”

Louise couldn’t be sane if she dared to threaten her like this.

But Louise’s presence was so formidable that Julia couldn’t argue.

The noblewomen felt secretly puzzled, sensing that Julia seemed to be hastily retreating as if she were fleeing.

Louise’s face didn’t show any sign of having admitted fault.

One of the noblewomen, lost in thought about that moment, spoke up.

“Could it be Louise?”

“What? But Louise isn’t in the capital right now.”

“Even so, is there anyone among us other than Louise who could have revealed Julia’s weakness to Marcel?”

“Hmm…”

“That does make sense…”

The noblewomen couldn’t deny it and fell into deep contemplation.

Whether it was because she came from another country or because of her inherently distinctive personality, Louise never seemed to fit well with the social circle.

The most disconcerting thing about Louise was the quiet danger she exuded.

Even when Julia openly mocked her, Louise would smile back with a more dignified gaze.

It was something the other noblewomen couldn’t even imagine doing.

To think that Louise didn’t pay attention to Julia because she trusted in the power of her duchy was implausible, as Julia had the formidable Empress backing her.

However, Louise seemed to look down on them all from the highest place.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories